M.D. Stetson Company recognized as a leader by the TURA

LOWELL, MA — Fifteen years ahead of the "green" revolution, M.D. Stetson Company Inc. reformulated a line of janitorial cleaning products without hazardous chemicals, according to a press release.

According to the release, M.D. Stetson Company is now one of 17 Massachusetts companies being recognized by legislators and the Toxics Use Reduction Act Program (TURA) as a "TURA 20th Anniversary Leader" for their use of safer materials and efforts to reduce waste and save energy.

The changes made by M.D. Stetson have been cost-neutral while providing many positive health and environmental impacts and, often, better performance, the release stated.

Jason Marshall, Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) laboratory director who provided the third-party performance testing of M.D. Stetson''s cleaning products, said: "We selected M.D. Stetson for its foresight and dedication in supplying public schools, universities and municipalities with green cleaning solutions way ahead of the spike in awareness of green products. The company was proactive in developing the market, asking customers to try the safer products while still supplying the traditional products. Changing the mindset of customers demonstrates the depth of the company''s leadership."

Since 1993, M.D. Stetson Company has reduced its use of glycol ethers from 176,000 to 75,000 pounds and expects to eliminate the use of solvents within the next few years, the release noted.

Michael Glass, president of M.D. Stetson Company, said: "I am honored to accept this award and recognition on behalf of my employees and customers. I''ve always been proud of our company for doing what''s right and manufacturing and selling our products here in Massachusetts. Eighty percent of American jobs are with small businesses like ours."